This was published 6 years ago
Feast on this: Tasmania's ultimate foodie experiences
By Ute Junker
Sample all sorts of sweet and savoury delights at Salamanca Market. Credit: Rob Burnett
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Tasmania is a gourmet paradise, blessed with fresh-from-the-farm produce and superb seafood, not to mention scores of craft breweries, distilleries and boutique wineries. Sink your teeth into these mouth-watering experiences this spring.
Eastern delights
Road tripping doesn't get better than this. The Great Eastern Drive is a stunning coastal route that winds its way from Orford to the Bay of Fires, taking in some of Tasmania's most delicious destinations along the way. Naturally there is plenty of seafood to enjoy, from oysters and abalone to crayfish, and beautiful wines to wash it down with from wineries such as Devil's Corner and Freycinet vineyards. Don't forget to drop in at Pyengana Dairy Company to sample some of their award-winning cheeses.
Just a wee dram
Tassie's whisky industry burst into the global spotlight back in 2014, when Sullivans Cove French Oak took the trophy for best single malt at the World Whisky Awards. More than a dozen boutique distilleries can be visited on the island's Whisky Trail, from Redlands – where every ingredient, from water to grain, is harvested on site – to Belgrove, known for its rye whisky.
Get your hands dirty
Farm-fresh produce is on the menu at Launceston's Red Feather Inn. Using produce grown on site, its half-day classes cover everything from pasta making to Thai cooking and even butchery and sausage making. There is even a class dedicated to gluten and sugar-free, vegetarian cooking.
Eat your way around Hobart
Looking for maximum bites in minimum time? One of Gourmania Food Tours' specialist walking tours will introduce you to all the need-to-know foodie hot spots in Hobart, with plenty of tastings along the way. Their 3.5 hour City Tour takes in everything from cheese to charcuterie, or sign up for the Tea to Tapas tour for afternoon tea and more.
Get hopping
Not content with being home to Australia's oldest continually operating brewery, Cascade, Tasmania also has a booming craft brew scene. More than 20 brewers can be visited on the Beer Trail. Adventurous types will find plenty of curiosities to try, including Seven Sheds' winter brew made with chocolate malt, star anise and cassia bark, or Two Metre Tall Brewery's soured ale.
From Cradle to Coast
Let your stomach be your guide as you drive through the scenic North West, with its fertile fields and its pretty coastal towns. The Cradle to Coast Tasting Trail lets you discover the area's many artisanal producers. Visit olive growers and chocolate factories, wineries and cherry and berry farms; just remember to bring your appetite with you.
To market, to market
Tasmania's weekend markets are second to none. On Saturdays, Hobart's Salamanca Market is in full flight. Although it is known for its arts and crafts, it also has some tasty treats – try a scallop pie, tempura mushrooms or apple chocolate. On Sunday mornings, the Farm Gate Market offers a feast of fresh and specialty produce, everything from locally-roasted coffee to organic walnuts. In Launceston, the Harvest market held every Saturday showcases the best local producers.
Heard it on the grapevine
With more than 200 wineries in Tasmania, it can be difficult to know where to start. Try one of the regional wine routes that showcase a sophisticated range of wines from each area. The Southern Wine Trail near Hobart takes in districts such as the Coal River Valley, near Richmond (one of Tasmania's most charming historic towns), while the Tamar Valley Wine Route near Launceston, explores the island's oldest wine growing region.
Bruny Island and the Channel
Just a short drive from Hobart, Bruny Island retains a wonderfully wild feel. Most visitors come here for the great hikes through the bush and beaches; now savvy local provedores have wised up to the opportunities to cater to those hungry hikers with a banquet of fresh local produce, including cheese, freshly-picked berries, and even trays of oysters.
She'll be apples
It's no surprise that the Apple Isle produces good cider; what may surprise you is the diverse varieties available. Each of the dozen producers on the Cider Trail has a different approach, from Spreyton Cider's Rich Bold and Bitter, made with Fuji apples, to Lost Pippin's twice-fermented Wild Tasmanian Apple Cider, made with a blend of Red Delicious, Golden Delicious and Fuji apples.
This article was brought to you by Tasmania – Go Behind the Scenery.
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